The Best Obstacle Course Races

By Kelly Wood


In the past few years a host of new sports have become popular. This is in part a result of the many popular television shows that pit competitors against a variety set of challenges. People all over the country are looking for ways to stay fit, have fun and compete. With this in mind many people are now looking for the best obstacle course races.

Racing over a course with a variety of obstacles is very challenging. For many people it combines the fun of a race with a military style course. Many of the courses take their inspiration from a military training facility. There is a combination of climbing, low crawls, mud, water and other hazards to negotiate. Both men and women are now taking part in races and there are several different categories to suit people of all levels of fitness.

Most races are advertised on line. The rules, entry fees, terms and conditions and type of obstacles should all be described in detail. A big feature of most races is mud and water. Thick mud is really difficult to negotiate and will slow down all but the very fittest athlete. It is also hard to duplicate such conditions in training and many people are simply not prepared for the physically draining effects of wading through mud.

The obstacles are often very creatively designed. Climbing walls are very popular and can vary in height and angle of slope. Most courses have a system of penalties for missing or failed to negotiate an obstacle. In some races the competitor can choose to miss a difficult section and take a penalty. In others they are given one try and a failure penalty such as complete ten push ups. This helps to reduce the congestion at the obstacles and keep the race moving along.

Climbing walls are usually part of a race. These can range in height and difficulty. Some races only allow the competitors one try and if they fail to complete the hazard they are given penalty points. Other races allow the novice runner to miss the most difficult obstacles and instead take penalties. Both of these options help to keep the race moving along at a good pace and also mean that the more experienced runners are not delayed.

By the end of the course most people are really feeling the strain. They have waded through deep mud and water, climbed numerous obstacles and scaled rope walls. Finding that last bit of energy is always the most difficult. Some organizers will put a particularly challenging test at the end of the course, just too see who is ready to push themselves that bit harder.

Competitors will need a good pair of shoes for the race. There are specially designed running shoes that are extremely durable, cushioned for comfort and with extra grip soles. Other features to look for in a running shoe are weight and good performance in water. A good pair of shoes is expensive but well worth the investment.

The best obstacle course races provide a high degree of challenging obstacles. Only those competitors who are really fit and determined will be ready to complete them. Those looking for something more fun and recreational will also have plenty of events to choose from.




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